Pictures of Earl Shilton

About Earl Shilton

Earl Shilton is one of the largest villages in the County of Leicestershire. It occupies a rich rural landscape between the town of Hinckley and the City of Leicester. The village dates from the time of William the Conqueror who gave the land to Hugh de Grandsmesnil. It is an interesting place with a fascinating history, to this day colourful tales and legends exist in the village about happenings in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

In the 1800's the prosperity of the village largely depended upon agriculture. During this period funds were raised by the villagers to build a windmill for grinding corn. Later, in the 19th century the economy gained a boost when a number of shoe, hosiery and knitwear factories moved into Earl Shilton. Interestingly, one shoe manufacturer produced boots for Russia's Red Army!

A medieval church stood on the spot now occupied by the Church of St.Simon and St.Jude, built in 1854. This magnificent Victorian church contains fine stained glass by Charles Eamer Kempe (1837-1907). Some have thought the window to be older, but this is probably due to it being attached to a tower and steeple dating from the 13th 14th century which were preserved from the earlier church. The church is found close to Hall Yard Park, here visitors will find the famous hunting lodge belonging to Simon de Montfort.

Graceful spires and rolling landscapes of rich pastures epitomise this lovely part of Leicestershire which is renowned for the quality of its of its hunting, and for breeding and schooling horses. Earl Shilton has its own equestrian centre and riding school, thus there is ample opportunity to enjoy riding across meadows and through lovely country lanes.

Earl Shilton caters for day to day shopping, but for the larger "super" stores a trip to Hinckley or Leicester is required. Apart from this the village offers excellent sporting facilities, good inns and a range of accommodation to suit all tastes.

The village is ideally placed for visiting many of the regions tourist attractions, particularly Mallory Park. It is also within easy reach of Bosworth Battlefield (1485), Market Bosworth, and Burbage Common Woods, a picturesque grassland and woodland site with a wealth of wildlife habitation. Here you will find a good visitor centre and a pleasant privately owned tea-room.